Saint Notburga
In the footsteps of Saint Notburga of Rattenberg
Tyrolean folk piety, active charity, and impressive pilgrimage sites
This special cultural and religious tour takes you to the most important places in the life and work of Saint Notburga, the only saint born in Tyrol and one of the most important folk saints in the Alpine region. The full-day bus tour combines history, legend, spirituality, and scenic beauty and is ideal for parishes, clubs, and groups interested in culture.
Saint Notburga
a woman of the people
Saint Notburga of Rattenberg lived in the 13th century and was revered above all for her deep piety, her courage, and her tireless dedication to the poor and needy. As a simple maid, she placed humanity and faith above obedience and material constraints—even when it meant losing her position.
She is considered the patron saint of farmers, maidservants, rest from work, the end of the working day, and happy births, and remains an important role model for social justice and Christian values in everyday life.
Typical attributes of Saint Notburga
✓ Sickle – Reminder of the famous miracle of the sickle
✓ Key ring – Symbol of her position as a maid
✓ Ear of corn or bread – Symbol of work, care, and feeding the poor
Major miracles & legends
✓ The miracle of the sickle: When her farmer demanded that she continue working despite the end of the working day, Notburga threw her sickle into the air. It miraculously remained suspended on a ray of sunlight – a sign that prayer and rest from work take precedence.
✓ The miracle of food transformation: To feed the hungry, Notburga hid bread and wine in her apron. When her mistress checked, the bread turned into wood shavings and the wine into vinegar. Notburga was dismissed, but remained true to her convictions.
✓ The miracle of the coffin: After her death, her body was transported on a team of oxen. The Inn River miraculously parted so that the coffin could cross the river. The oxen finally stopped at St. Rupert’s Church in Eben am Achensee, where Notburga was buried.
Interesting to know:
Notburga consistently advocated for the observance of Sunday rest and the end of the working day, thereby becoming an important symbolic figure for the world of work and social justice.
Tour itinerary & stops
Rattenberg – Birthplace of Saint Notburga
The journey begins in the medieval town of Rattenberg where Notburga was born. On a tour of the historic old town, we will see her birthplace and immerse ourselves in the world of the 13th century. Optional visit to the parish church of St. Virgil with the Notburga Chapel, a place of quiet worship.
Achensee & Eben – Place of activity and pilgrimage
Continue on to the impressive landscape of Lake Achensee to Eben am Achensee, where Notburga served as a maid and performed several of her miracles. Visit the parish and pilgrimage church of St. Notburga (Rupertikirche), where her grave is located—still an important pilgrimage site in Tyrol today.
Optional lunch break at Lake Achensee
Depending on the group’s preferences, the following places to stop for refreshments are available:
✓ Gasthof Fischerwirt – traditional Tyrolean cuisine right on Lake Achensee ✓ Gramaialm (weather and season dependent) – one of the most beautiful alpine pastures in Tyrol in the Karwendel mountains, ideal for nature lovers and gourmets
Why this tour?
✓ Experience Tyrolean history and folk piety authentically
✓ Moving legends and a strong female saint figure
✓ Ideal for bus groups, parishes, clubs, and cultural trips
✓ Flexible design, including refreshments and devotions
✓ Accompaniment by a state-certified Austria Guide
Moni’s tip: A visit to the Notburga Museum can also be arranged on request. Located right next to the parish church in Eben, it offers fascinating exhibits on the life and work of Saint Notburga – highly recommended!
Price information:
“In the footsteps of Saint Notburga” Full-day tour including a guided tour of Rattenberg, accompanied by a state-certified Austria Guide with a focus on Saint Notburga – Tyrol’s only female saint.
Total price: €290 ➕ plus a flat-rate travel fee of at least €30 to the respective hotel/starting point of the tour.
I would be happy to tailor this tour to your individual wishes and time constraints.
